Lockheed, Saab win army training simulation contract

Lockheed Martin has won a US Army contract worth $288 million to modernise its live vehicle training capabilities, the company announced on 10 July.

Lockheed Martin will work with Saab to provide a modular training solution that combines multiple vehicle crew training systems into a single product line.

The system includes training kits of laser detectors and transmitters to equip military trucks, training weapons, and armoured vehicles. The new Instrumentable Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (I-MILES) Vehicle Tactical Engagement Simulation System (VTESS) programme will allow seamless integration with the army's existing MILES.

The I-MILES VTESS components - which draw on Lockheed Martin's SciosLive baseline - have been designed to make the system easier for soldiers to manage and operate in the field. Compared to the existing MILES Tactical Vehicle System, the Lockheed Martin system is smaller, lighter and features simplified components.

Sandy Samuel, Lockheed Martin vice president, training and simulation solutions, said: 'Through I-MILES VTESS, we are changing the way vehicle crews take part in training exercises with an open architecture system that is robust and simple to use. Together, these systems enable soldiers to conduct live, highly realistic force-on-force training with their existing platforms and weapons systems.'